Top Shelf: A Hockey Blog

Gear Reviews, Guides & Hockey Culture

Close-up of the Project X Smoke logo on the stick
Player

TRUE Project X Smoke Hockey Stick Review

In celebration of their ten-year anniversary, TRUE is debuting the 2024 iteration of their Project X series equipment. We’ll be taking a look at the features that make...

Katie Lakusta 4 min read
Bauer Hyperlite 2 Goalie Pads ReviewGoalie

Bauer HyperLite2 Goalie Pads: Long-term Review

New for 2023, Bauer released the successor to their ever-popular Vapor Hyperlite line. Through new features and technology,...

Philadelphia Flyers in CooperallsHistory

Hockey History: What were Cooperalls, and Why Were They Banned?

The Hockey Shop enjoys delving into the history of hockey gear— and examining what stood the test of...

hockey player holding a SYNC stick in the dressing roomGuide

Hockey Stick Science: Why does my hockey stick break?

Every modern composite stick is measured and classified by multiple different factors: flex, curve, kick point, etc. These...

hockey player looking at his AS-V Pro hockey stickGuide

Hockey Stick Basics: Guide to Kick Points

Selecting the perfect stick can be tough— but understanding stick kick points can really help when figuring out...

close up of a hockey player's Mach skatesGuide

Hockey Skate Sharpening: Precision for Peak Performance

If your skates aren’t up to par, then that could greatly hinder your performance on the ice— it’s...

detail image of Project X logo on the stickArticle

TRUE Project X Stick Review

In 2021, TRUE came out with the limited edition Project X stick. Now for 2023, the iconic stick...

detail image of AG5NT goal stick paddleGoalie

Bauer AG5NT Goal Stick Review

Bauer continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in a stick with their new AG5NT goal...

hyperlite 2 hockey stick shaft and logoArticle

The New Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2 Stick: An In-Depth Gear Review

In this review, we explore the features of the reimagined Bauer Vapor Hyperlite 2, a stick that promises...

person doing maintenance on a hockey skatePlayer

Equipment Maintenance: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hockey Gear

Hockey gear can be quite the investment, but with proper maintenance, you can extend its lifespan significantly. In...

Close-up of Bauer Nexus hockey sticks with black and blue design, The Hockey Shop equipmentGuide

Hockey Stick Basics: Shaft and Materials

Over the years, the materials used to make hockey sticks have evolved; some materials stood the test of...

Rainbow pride flag waving in a city street, colorful symbol of LGBTQ+ community supportPlayer

Pride Month - Hockey is for Everyone

At the Hockey Shop, we believe strongly that Hockey is for Everyone. This article hopes to educate on...

Hands tying Bauer MACH hockey skate laces, close-up from The Hockey Shop equipment selectionPlayer

Lace Bite in Hockey Players: Causes and Treatment

Hockey is constantly changing and getting faster and faster—and your feet and legs need to be in optimal...